Ochiltree will host the next of the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere's series of nature recording workshops.
The Biosphere’s Most Wanted will take place at the Ochiltree Community Hub from 10:30am until 12 noon on Saturday, May 27.
Most Wanted is a project running right across the Biosphere’s 5,200 square kilometres, region, aiming to track six key native species that are lacking local records or in need of continual monitoring - red squirrel, wych elm, grayling butterfly, swift, adder, and Nursehound (a catshark whose egg cases can be found washed up on the coast).
The Ochiltree event will give an overview of these species, how to identify them, and how to record sightings using a mobile phone.
The session includes an interactive workshop on using the iNaturalist app and will be followed by a wildlife walk for attendees to put into practice what they have learned.
In and around Ochiltree the Biosphere is particularly interested in the grayling butterfly (Hipparchia Semele) which was historically abundant in the coalfields area.
Malcolm Haddow, project support officer and lead in the Biosphere’s Most Wanted initiative, said: “The climate and biodiversity crisis means that many of our local species are under increasing threat from human activities, global warming and habitat loss.
"Nature recording is essential in conservation and we can all help collect useful data simply by getting our mobile phones out when we’re outdoors.
"Please do join us in Ochiltree for a morning of fun wildlife facts, lively discussion, and of course some time exploring the village’s beautiful natural habitats.”
To reserve your place at the workshop later this month, visit the Galloway & Southern Ayrshire Biosphere’s Eventbrite page or email malacolm@gsabiosphere.org.uk
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